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Rickshaw has given more of the background to this thinking, but you're broadly right. The Defence of Australia philosophy promoted in the Dibb Report was politically driven, and we still see that now non-event in Hugh White advocating similar thoughts. The policy was always going to fail...

I really don’t know what to make of your latest screed seemingly about mostly dead politicians and union movements, but I will say something about northern basing: It’s fallen out of favour somewhat because it does nothing for retention, and personnel funnily enough are our biggest challenge.

Largely agree. A more constructive offering than the OP here, though am not really sure what the point is.

So new-build rather than upgraded? And, yes, your understanding was accurate.

First, are you really suggesting upgraded A-7s would have continued to serve beyond 2000, let alone into this decade? Second, how is what you just wrote about the F-111 in any way contrary to what CalBear said?

Yeah I guess he’s got some of the attributes of a cult leader and has been somewhat successful in drawing some conspiracy theorists to him. No one with half a brain. It’s more people who are dissatisfied with politics for whatever reasons. They’re sure there must be something bigger to explain...

I don’t know much about him in the US, but I do know his acolytes in Australia - the Citizens Electoral Council - are a bunch of conspiracy theorists who never get more than the informal vote at elections. They came most to my attention when they claimed the Port Arthur Massacre was carried out...

I think the OP might be a bit over it all. Wouldn’t blame him. Next we’ll be talking about post-war space programs and reality TV shows in this timeline.

Interesting timeline. The grammar needs some work though. Have you thought about a beta?

Likely Australian politician thinking would need to be influenced by events outside the country, including stronger fears that the Japanese had southern ambitions and maybe that the Mother Country would not be quite as forthcoming with help. Whatever the causes, the point remains that the OP...

You didn’t see Peg Leg Pom’s post from yesterday?

We know what happened historically, and there’s not enough difference here to change things. This isn’t wish fulfilment. The OP is writing logically from the POD.

No they won’t. Not until Japan actually enters the war will they demand their return.

Probably a similar number or fewer even because it looks like the SH-60 is actually slightly bigger.

Yeah I commented along those lines earlier. The navy that best epitomised this approach of ASW or "escort" groups since WW2 was the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force, with its "8-8" flotillas - eight destroyers with eight onboard helicopters. This has developed overtime and now they're more...

Would say so. Given their relative length and displacement, they can be even be passed off as "helicopter frigates" or some such.

You'd still get, what, maybe 8 to 10 SH-60 size aircraft in the hangar? I recall reading somewhere that if you're using the SH-60 you need 14 sorties every 24 hours to maintain one airborne at all times, and should plan for another 10 sorties over the same period responding to contacts (the...

Maybe if you put the axe down it might make for the beginnings of a good discussion. When I read that kind of invective I just find it all a struggle.

It's because of the way you write, IMHO. I think we (being the regular Australians here at least) get that you have a strong interest in certain episodes in our history, but it also reads like you have an axe to grind.

Possibly, but what’s the point? COIN? You’re likely not investing in your navy so much anyway. And/or that role can be done better by an attack helicopter.